At the stroke of midnight on Saturday, Croatia switched to the shared European currency, the euro, and removed dozens of border checkpoints to join the world’s largest passport-free travel area. It marked a fresh start for the small Balkan nation of 4 million people that captured international attention three decades ago as the site of a brutal war that left nearly a quarter of its economy in ruins. Joining Europe's ID-check-free Schengen zone means Croats will now be among almost 420 million people who are free to roam its 27 member countries without passports for work or leisure. Adopting the euro will likewise offer Croatia the benefits stemming from deeper financial ties with the currency’s 19 other users and with the European Central Bank. It will also make traveling and doing business easier, removing the hassle of currency exchange for Croats going abroad and for tens of thousands of tourists who visit their country each year for work or to enjoy its stunning Adriatic coastline. Read more: Amazon to make big business changes in EU settlement As revelers around Croatia took to the streets to ring in the New Year, the country’s interior minister, Davor Bozinovic, was at the Bregana border crossing with Slovenia to wish the best of luck to the last travelers to have their passports checked there. Slovenia has been a part of the Schengen zone and tasked with safeguarding its external frontier since 2007. Now, the task will be taken over by Croatia, which will continue to apply strict border controls on its eastern borders with non-EU neighbors Bosnia, Serbia and Montenegro. “We opened our doors to borderless Europe. This goes beyond eliminating border controls, it is the final affirmation of our European identity,” Bozinovic said after watching the ramps at the Bregana border crossing being lifted for the final time in the company of his Slovenian counterpart Sanja Ajanovic-Hovnik. Stipica Mandic, a 72-year-old professional driver, shared the sentiment and said the freedom of movement without long waits at border crossings was his personal dream and the reason why he left a New Year’s Eve party at his home and drove 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) to Bregana to see it come true. “I spent years of my life waiting at border checkpoints, so I came here tonight to witness this moment, the moment after which I will wait no more,” he said. Read more: EU member countries reach compromise on gas price cap At about the same time, shortly after midnight, Croatia’s finance minister and central bank governor walked to an ATM in the capital, Zagreb, to withdraw euro banknotes and symbolically relegate Croatia's old national currency, the kuna, to history. Croatia joined the EU in 2013, but to adopt the euro the country had to fulfil a set of strict economic conditions, including having a stable exchange rate, controlled inflation and sound public spending. The Croatian kuna and the euro will be in dual use for cash payments for only 14 days, but as people shop post-holiday in January they will receive only euros in change. The New Year’s Eve developments were described by many Croats as proof their country has completed a difficult journey to the European mainstream 31 years after it fought a war for independence from Serb-dominated Yugoslavia in which 20,000 people were killed and hundreds of thousands displaced. “We used to dream about this and I am happy that we lived to see it happen,” said Zlatko Leko, a resident of the port city of Split in the country’s south. “I hope this means we are finally a part of Europe." Elenmari Pletikos-Solon in Zagreb agreed: “We have already been a part of Europe, but dismantling the borders and switching to the euro is the final confirmation that we are fully integrated” with the European Union. “I am truly happy. It will make many things in our life much easier,” she added.

Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Imran Ahmad on Monday said a process continues to sign memorandum of understanding (MoUs) with several European countries including Croatia and Serbia in order to export manpower from Bangladesh. He said this while addressing a function in the conference room of his ministry here in the city, which was arranged to mark the farewell of 30 workers out of 102 intended for going to Romania through Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Ltd (BOESL). The Minister said the Europe is a potential labuor market for Bangladesh and the rate of labour migration to Europe is constantly increasing. read more: Manpower export to Malaysia resumes after four-year gap He said the process of sending workers to Romania and other European countries will continue through BOESL. The Minister urged the workers who are willing to go abroad to enhance the reputation of the country by being responsible towards the country and paying attention to responsible behaviour and works. Read more: Recruit more manpower from Bangladesh: President to Sultan of Brunei Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Secretary Dr. Ahmed Munirus Saleheen and other high officials from the ministry, BOESL and the Wage Earners’ Welfare Board were present, said a press release.

Morocco’s fans in the Arab world took the North African team’s 2-1 loss to Croatia in Saturday’s World Cup third-place playoff philosophically. The team had already made history, becoming the first Arab and first African team to reach the semifinals in the international soccer tournament. Its loss to France on Wednesday dashed fans' hopes that Morocco would become an underdog champion, but many had hoped that it would at least take third place in facing off against Croatia. Read more: Croatia beats Morocco 2-1 to take 3rd place at World Cup In the Moroccan capital, national team's fans were disappointed by Saturday's loss, but pointed with pride to the team’s historic performance. “They remain champions in our eyes,” said Soukaina Makkaoui, a fan in Rabat. “They are now among the four top teams in the world.” Ali Hachimi, another Moroccan fan, was both proud and sad. “We would have liked to finish third because the players deserved it after giving their all,” he said. Along the way, the Moroccan team charmed many Arab soccer fans who saw in the team a reflection of themselves, with players waving the Palestinian flag after their wins and celebrating on the field with their mothers and children. Read more: Morocco look to the future after World Cup dream ends Seeing Palestinian flags fluttering in the stadium “was an indescribable feeling,” said Ibrahim al-Lilli, who was among thousands of fans in the Gaza Strip who gathered to cheer for Morocco on Saturday. The games affirmed that the Arab street “supports the Palestinian cause regardless of what their governments do,” he said, referring to the Abraham Accord normalization agreements that four Arab countries — including Morocco — signed with Israel in 2020. Fans in the besieged Gaza enclave found a bitter solace in the fact that the northern Africa Arab country got as far as it did. “It’s a defeat, albeit with a taste of victory and joy,” said Ahmed al-Najjar, another fan in Gaza. In Beirut's Tarik al-Jdideh neighborhood, where fans were also rooting for Morocco, Muhammad Shaalan said the team's fourth-place finish is still a point of pride for the Arab world. “They arrived to the final games and they defeated three of the best big European teams (Belgium, Spain and Portugal)," he said. “I bow my head in respect to them as an Arab team."

Luka Modric led Croatia to third place in what was likely the midfield great’s last appearance at the World Cup. The runners-up from four years ago secured another medal by beating Morocco 2-1 in the third-place match on Saturday. Mislav Orsic scored the decisive goal shortly before halftime at Khalifa International Stadium to ensure Modric finished on a winning note, if this does turn out to be his last World Cup match. At the age of 37, that seems likely, even if there are hopes he will lead his country at the 2024 European Championship. Josko Gvardiol put Croatia ahead in the seventh minute, but Achraf Dari evened the score in the ninth. It is the second time Croatia has taken third place. The team also achieved that feat in its first World Cup as an independent nation 1998. After becoming the first African team to reach the World Cup semifinals, Morocco’s tournament ended in two losses. But the team’s achievements in Qatar will be remembered for the outpouring of pride among Arab nations. The World Cup final between defending champion France and Argentina is scheduled for Sunday at Lusail Stadium. Read more: Morocco v Croatia: Fight for 3rd place, or losers' playoff? The third-place match is considered by some to be a meaningless exhibition. Even Morocco coach Walid Regragui described it as a “booby prize” in the buildup. But neither team lacked motivation in a fiercely contested game between two nations that few expected to go so far. That was underlined by a host of players needing to be substituted because of injury in the second half as Morocco pushed for an equalizer. The teams had already played out 0-0 draw in the group stage and had made to the semifinals on the back of tough defenses, with a combined six shutouts. Goals weren’t a problem this time. Perhaps that was because of the relative freedom of playing in a game with supposedly little at stake. Another factor for Morocco, at least, was the absence of three key defenders, Romain Saiss, Nayef Aguerd and Noussair Mazraoui. The impact of those absences was felt when Croatia took the lead off Gvardiol’s diving header. In a slick move, Ivan Perisic flicked a free kick into the middle of the penalty box and the center back did the rest. Morocco responded two minutes later when Lovro Majer inadvertently helped on Hakim Ziyech’s free kick and Dari headed in to even the score. Croatia, however, was back in front three minutes before halftime. Read more: Qatar World Cup: Croatia vs Morocco match ends in goalless draw Orsic picked up the ball on the left of the box and curled a shot toward the top corner. Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou got a touch on the ball, but could only push it onto the post on its way into the net.

To some, it’s little more than a meaningless exhibition match. To others, it’s a chance to become “immortal.” The third-place playoff at the World Cup can be a confusing concept. “You are so disappointed, you’ve just lost a semifinal and then two days later you have to go back out there,” Morocco coach Walid Regragui said Friday. Regragui’s history-making team — the first African nation to reach the World Cup semifinals — will play Croatia on Saturday at Khalifa International Stadium. Read more: Morocco look to the future after World Cup dream ends “It’s like the booby prize,” Regragui said. “I am sorry for speaking like this. I understand that it should be important, I understand that it is better to finish third than fourth, but for, me my takeaway is that we just didn’t get to the final.” Morocco’s run to the semifinals in Qatar provided the most improbable story of the tournament. The team was also the first Arab nation to go so far in soccer’s biggest event, generating an outpouring of pride among Arab countries. After such a wild and dizzying ride, it’s understandable that Regragui sounded so flat when looking ahead to the match against Croatia. It’s also a measure of his own ambition that he ends an unforgettable tournament for African soccer with a sense of disappointment after being beaten by defending champion France 2-0. “Yes, finishing third would be great for our image. We would be on the podium,” the coach said. “But you know what, even if we win the game tomorrow we won’t have got to the final and we won’t have won the World Cup.” The atmosphere from the Croatian side has been more upbeat. Read more: Croatia’s ‘golden generation’ nears end after World Cup The runners-up from the last World Cup in Russia lost to Argentina 3-0 in the other semifinal match, but their players have spoken of the importance of winning another medal. Forward Andrej Kramarić described it as the chance to “become an immortal hero in your country.” “Eight of us from (the tournament in) Russia understand that feeling of winning a medal at the World Cup and we have a lot of players who haven’t experienced that and would love to do that because it’s something that will stay with you for the rest of their life,” Kramarić said. Luka Modric, who is likely playing in his last World Cup, had similar thoughts. “We need to leave everything to win the bronze medal and let our fans celebrate one more time,” he said. To finish second and third in back-to-back World Cups would further secure the legacy of a golden generation for Croatia. “Saturday’s match is not a small one for us, but a big final, a fight for third place, for a medal,” Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić said. “We have to prepare in every sense. It’s a big thing if we take the bronze medal, that would be great. “The difference is being third or fourth in the world, we will do everything to do that.” Morocco and Croatia have already played each other at this year’s World Cup, a 0-0 draw in the group stage. “We know that Croatia got a lot of stick because they weren’t able to beat Morocco,” Regragui said. “Morocco was one of the underdogs and now we both reached the semifinals.” Injured Morocco center back Romain Saiss, the team’s captain, will miss the game after lasting only 21 minutes against France. Noussair Mazraoui, also substituted in that match, is a doubt. “We have really, really pushed our players to the limits, but they still want to go out tomorrow and play again,” Regragui said. “But we are not going to be taking risks tomorrow for some of our players.”

Argentina was a step too far for a Croatia team that reached back-to-back World Cup semifinals and shocked Brazil along the way in Qatar. Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to a 3-0 win at Lusail Stadium Tuesday and moved a step closer to lifting the one major trophy that has eluded him. But for Croatia playmaker Luka Modric, this was almost certainly his last chance of winning the World Cup. He was substituted late on and left the field to applause from both sets of fans, who paid tribute to one of soccer’s greats. Croatia will play France or Morocco in the third place playoff, but it is time to look ahead to the next generation. EXPECTATION VS. PERFORMANCE Beaten finalists at the World Cup in Russia four years ago, Croatia wasn’t expected to go deep again this time around. Especially after drawing 0-0 with underdog Morocco in its first group game. That result has aged well as the tournament has progressed and Morocco emerged as the first African nation to reach the semifinals of a World Cup. Croatia’s spirit has been its most notable quality, coming back from behind against Japan and Brazil to go through on penalties in the round of 16 and quarterfinals. Read: Messi fans overjoyed in south Asia after Argentina semi win But the run to the semis also involved a degree of luck. Croatia could have been knocked out at the earliest possible stage if Romelu Lukaku had taken one of a series of chances in a 0-0 draw with Belgium in its final Group F game. The Croatians certainly weren’t the most attractive team in Qatar, only winning one of six games in regulation or extra time, but they were tough to beat and defied expectations for the second World Cup in a row. “They achieved great things and they’re the golden generation of Croatian football,” said coach Zlatko Dalić. WHO’S OUT? At the age of 37, Modric has likely played in his last World Cup, but he could still be around for the European Championships in 2024. Ivan Perisic and Dejan Lovren are both 33, and Andrej Kramaric, 31. “Well, perhaps this is the end for the generation at the World Cup,” said Dalić. “A couple of them are at an age where it will be hard to play at the World Cup in 2026. “I think a lot of players will finish off at Euro 2024.” Dalić, who led Croatia to the final in Russia, also plans to stay on. “I will continue, my contract runs until Euro 2024,” he said. “My plan is to qualify with Croatia for Euro 2024.” WHO’S NEXT? Center back Josko Gvardiol has been one of the standout players of the World Cup and has been linked with a host of Europe’s biggest clubs. Read: ‘To finish this way is brilliant’: Messi’s last dance, last chance for World Cup glory He was powerless to stop Messi’s moment of magic in the buildup to Argentina’s third goal, but he looks like he will be a key figure for his country going forward. Mateo Kovacic is a seasoned international at 28, and could be the dominant force in midfield when Modric steps aside. WHAT’S NEXT? The third place playoff may seem like one of the most pointless games in soccer, but not for Croatia. “Win the match and go back to Croatia with a medal,” said Modric. “We need to leave everything to win the bronze medal and let our fans celebrate one more time.” Dalić is also looking further ahead to the Euros, with qualifying games against Wales and Turkey in March.

Soccer fan Gazi Jahidul Haque was struggling to hide his concern before the Argentina and Croatia World Cup semifinal at Qatar’s Lusail Stadium. Haque was watching the game in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. “This World Cup is not only important for Argentina, but also for Messi,” 35-year-old lawyer Haque said before the game, his voice barely audible as thousands behind him thronged to watch the match in front of a giant television screen at the University of Dhaka in the capital’s center. It was midnight Wednesday in Dhaka and by the time the final whistle blew with Argentina beating Croatia 3-0, Haque’s worries had long dissipated. Argentina was in the World Cup final, one win away from capturing the game’s greatest prize. The win meant Haque would get to see Messi — a player widely regarded as one of the game’s best – one more time at the World Cup. The celebrations began. Fans poured onto the streets in Dhaka waving Argentina flags and wearing the team’s sky blue and white jersey. Amid blaring trumpets, they chanted Messi’s name and hugged each other. Some held motorbike rallies. Others broke into song and dance. A young man rode on a rikshaw, his body painted in Argentinian colors. Argentina’s win was also celebrated in neighboring India, where it is cricket that is typically worshipped with near-religious fervor. Read more: 'It is the last one': Messi on World Cup 2022 In Kolkata city, where children are also named after football players from previous generations, Argentina fans marched in streets chanting songs for Messi's team. It’s a city where murals of Messi adorn the walls and Argentinian flags peek out of balconies with homes advertising their support. Argentina has a legion of passionate super fans in Bangladesh and India since the days of Maradona, one of the greatest to play the game and an icon to fans around the world. Already, thousands of them have traveled to Qatar to see Messi and his team play. Seeing its team getting massive support from the south Asian country, Argentina’s soccer federation earlier this month praised Bangladeshis on social media. “Thank you for supporting our team. You are as crazy as we are!” the federation said in a Twitter post with photos showing Bangladeshi fans wearing Argentina’s jersey. Those who aren’t in Qatar are displaying their allegiance by following the games with utmost devotion at home. In southern Kerala's coastal towns and villages, where flags of Argentina and Brazil are strung across shops, buildings and flagpoles, people have erected huge foam-board cutouts of their favorite players. Messi — and Brazil's Neymar — are the favorites. In villages, open spaces have been used for match screenings, with thousands flocking to watch the games on giant screens. On Sunday, Argentina will meet with either France or Morocco in the final. The fervor would reach its peak in India, and Aditya Shriram is waiting for a fairytale swan song for Messi. Shriram, a 33-year-old digital marketer in New Delhi, has been supporting Argentina since the 1998 World Cup. On Sunday, he will be watching the final with a group of nearly two dozen friends he grew up with playing soccer in the Indian capital. Read more: ‘To finish this way is brilliant’: Messi’s last dance, last chance for World Cup glory Shriram said Sunday’s game will have Messi play to seal his legacy, considering the greatest of all time — Pele and Maradona — have both won the World Cup, an accolade that had so far evaded the Argentinian superstar. “It’ll complete him,” Shriram said. “Unless you win the World Cup, you can’t be counted among the absolute greatest of all time.”

Here you can get all the details as to When, Where, and how you can watch the FIFA World Cup 2022 Semifinal between Argentina vs Croatia Live Streaming.  FIFA World Cup2022 Semifinal: Argentina vs Croatia are set to face off in the semifinal of the Qatar World Cup 2022 on December 10.  Both of the team Argentina and Croatia are looking equally balanced also have not faced enough resistance to reach this stage. Argentina face Croatia in a World Cup semifinal that pits South American flair against the guile of Luka Modric and a remarkable fighting spirit. Argentina and Croatia most recent meeting came in a knockout match in the World Cup 2014. And even after 120 minutes of regulation time, both teams failed to open the net. Read more: Argentina vs Croatia Semi-Final Preview: FIFA World Cup 2022 How and Where to watch FIFA World Cup 2022 Argentina vs Croatia live in Bangladesh? Bangladesh has a large number of fans who are watching FIFA World Cup 2022. Viewers can watch the match live on all of these channels: T Sports, BTV, PTE LTD and Viacom 18. Toffee apps FIFA World Cup 2022 live-The digital platform powered by  Banglalink FIFA world cup Qatar 2022 is being live telecasting on various apps. Bangladesh viewers can enjoy live stream between France vs Poland online the World Cup games on Toffee, the digital platform powered by Banglalink. On social media Facebook pages and YouTube channels also live Argentina vs Croatia match. How to watch Argentina vs Croatia live stream in India In India, the World Cup is being live streamed on Sports18, but every game is being shown for free and in 4K via the JioCinema app. You can live stream Argentina vs Croatia Tuesday Night. In Hindi, English, Malayalam, Bengali and Tamil Coverage is available and the JioCinema app is compatible with Chromecast, if you want to get a big-screen experience. How to watch Argentina vs Croatia live stream in Australia Soccer fans in Australia can enjoy Argentina vs Croatia, along with every World Cup 2022 game, on free-to-air SBS. You can tune in on your TV or live stream Argentina vs Croatia using SBS if you need. This is free to use SBS on Demand and also it works on a range of smart devices as well as mobile phones, web browsers and smart TVs How to watch Argentina vs Croatia live stream World Cup 2022 soccer in the US without cable Argentina vs Croatia live stream without cable Don’t` worry If you don't have cable TV, you can enjoy match live. A cord-cutting service is what for instant access to Fox and FS1. Sling Blue is the cheapest. Its only $40 per month but you needs to get first month half-price with this discount. All of the matches of the World Cup is also being telecasted live on Peacock TV. The Peacock price may in at $4.99 a month and the service also proposals live coverage of the WWE, NFL, EPL and. If you want to subscribe to Peacock, Sling or any other US live streaming service, and find yourself unable to access coverage because you're out of the country, you can consider using a VPN. Read more: After Neymar, Croatia aim to end Messi’s World Cup dream How to watch Argentina vs Croatia live sluice in UK  Football suckers in the UK can watch Argentina vs Croatia live sluice for free on BBC iPlayer, along with numerous further World Cup 2022 games, as content of the event is resolve unevenly between the BBC and ITV.  UK Football suckers can enjoy live match of BBC iPlayer that's free to use, It works across a wide range of bias including laptops, smart TVs, mobile phones, games consoles, tablets and others streaming sticks. You can watch all the other FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 live aqueducts for free on ITV Hub. Argentina vs Croatia match live: Where can you watch live? United States –: Fox Sports app, FOX, Telemundo, fuboTV, , Telemundo Deportes En Vivo United Kingdom –: BBC Sport Website, BBC One; Live Stream: BBC iPlayer, Australia –: Live Stream: SBS On Demand, SBS; Nigeria – Showmax Pro and SuperSport. Singapore –: Channel 5, Mediacorp; Live Stream on Singapore: StarHub TV+, IPTV, Singtel TV Hong Kong – Live Stream: Now TV, ViuTV: BeIN Sports, ITV; Canada –: TSN app, CTV, TSN, fuboTV, Malaysia –: Astro Go, RTM, Astro, Live Stream Where will the Quarter Final match between Argentina vs Croatia FIFA World Cup 2022 be held? The FIFA World Cup 2022 Semifinal match between Argentina and Croatia will be held at the Lusail Stadium. Where: Lusail Stadium When: December 13, 10pm (19:00 GMT) Argentina vs Croatia Head-to-Head: Argentina wins: 2, Croatia wins: 2, Draw: 1 Read More: FIFA World Cup 2022: Semi-Final Round Overview What time will the Quarter Final match between Argentina vs Croatia FIFA World Cup 2022 kick off? The FIFA World Cup 2022 Quarter Final match between Argentina vs Croatia will start at 12:30 am IST. Argentina vs Croatia lineups: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Argentina possible starting lineup: Argentina XI (4-3-3): Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Romero, Tagliafico; Mac Allister, De Paul, Fernandez; Alvarez, Messi, Lautaro  Croatia Possible starting lineup Croatia XI (4-3-3): Livakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Brozovic, Modric, Kovacic; Kramaric, Pasalic, Perisic

No matter what football tradition, history, or FIFA rankings say, there is no such thing as a big or small team in the semifinals of the World Cup. And FIFA World Cup 2022 does not have that at all. Four teams have entered the semifinals as qualifying teams after passing difficult steps one after another. So, the first semifinal between Argentina and Croatia tonight will be a close match. Time and Venue of Argentina vs Croatia Semi-final Match Argentina and Croatia will meet in the first semifinal at Lusile Stadium on Tuesday, December 13, at 10 PM local time, and Wednesday, December 14, at 1 AM Bangladesh time. Argentina vs Croatia: Head-to-Head Record So Far This is not the first time that the two countries have faced each other on the world stage; these two teams have faced each other before. The two countries met for the first time in 1994 in an international friendly match. The match ended in a goalless draw. Four years later, they met for the second time in the 1998 World Cup, which was a first in the World Cup. In that match, Argentina left the field with a 1-0 victory. Then in 2006, they met for the third time in an international friendly match. Where the Croats left the field with a 3-2 victory. In 2014, the two teams met again in an international friendly match for the fourth time. Albiceleste left the field with a 2-1 goal difference. After that, in 2018, they met for the fifth time at the World Cup in Russia. Croatia defeated Argentina 3-0 in that match of the group stage. That memory is still fresh. So, they will surely want to repeat it. However, we will have to wait until the end of the match on December 13 to finally see who wins the crucial semifinal match. In total 5 matches, Croats won 2 matches, and one ended with no result. However, both countries are equal in World Cup statistics. Argentina and Croatia have won 1 match each in two appearances. Read More: FIFA World Cup 2022: Semi-Final Round Overview Argentina's Performance So Far in the FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022: An Overview Two-time world champions Argentina stepped into the leadership of Lionel Messi in Qatar from 36 matches unbeaten to break the 36-year title drought. But the Albiceleste suffered a big blow in that mission by losing a 2-1 goal against Saudi Arabia in their opening match. Then they won against Poland and Mexico by 2-0 goals in both games. Argentines reached the quarter with a 2-1 victory over Australia in the knock out stage. After that, the Albiceleste confirmed the semifinals once again in 2014 by defeating the Netherlands in a penalty shootout in the quarterfinals. Now they are in the semifinals. Then they turned around and won four straight games, and now they are in the semifinals, where they got the previous season's runner-up Croatia as an opponent. Although Argentina is in a good rhythm, they will have to start the match without defenders Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Acuna, as they received their second yellow card of the tournament in their last match. Montiel saw his very first yellow card of the World Cup against Saudi Arabia. So Scaloni was playing him consciously, but in the end he was not saved. The defender had to see a yellow card despite coming on as a substitute against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals. According to FIFA rules, he will miss the next match. Same situation with Acuna. He got a yellow card against the Poland which was the last match of the group stage. He saw second yellow card of the tournament in the second half against the Dutch. Without getting two defenders in the semifinals, Scaloni must be in a tough situation, which will be a weak point for Argentina. On the other hand, another history will give confidence to the Argentina camp. Argentina did not lose any semifinals in the World Cup. Before the World Cup in Qatar, Argentina had played in the semifinals four times so far, in 1930, 1986, 1990, and 2014. Argentina is the favorite in the semifinals, regardless of the opponent team. Where they never had to see the face of defeat. Argentina's players to watch:  Lionel Messi, Alexis Mac Allister, Emiliano Martinez. Read More: FIFA World Cup 2022 Argentina vs Croatia LIVE Streaming: Where and How to watch online and TV Channel, Predicted XI An Overview of Croatia's Performance in the 2022 World Cup Meanwhile, Croatia has not lost a single match in Qatar World Cup. With one win and two draws, Croatia entered the last sixteen as group runners-up. After that, the Croats defeated the famous Blue Samurai Japan in the penalty shootout and reached the quarterfinals. And in the first quarterfinal, Croatia defeated the five-time world champion Brazil in a tiebreaker to confirm the semifinal. Where they got two-time world champions Argentina. When Croatia reached the final at the last World Cup, it was, according to many, unexpected. Now Croatia is on the way to the final again. Croatia got a historic win against the football powerhouse Brazil in the quarterfinals. Neither team scored in the scheduled 90 minutes. In extra time, Brazil's Neymar skillfully broke through the opponent's defense and scored a spectacular goal. But Croatia quickly leveled the score. Croatia beat Brazil 4-2 in a penalty shootout. Apparently, Croatian captain, Luca Modric has been playing an important as a captain in all their matches. However, Modric is playing a little lower, and his game is acting as Croatia's engine. Modric often played defensively in the quarterfinal against Brazil. Modric's long pass also contributed to the goal that equalized Croatia. Croatia does not have any injury or suspension report. So, all the regular players will appear in the semifinal. Croatia's players to watch:  Dominik Livakovic, Josko Gvardiol, Luka Modric. Read More: Messi, Modric carry Argentina, Croatia into World Cup semis Probable Starting Squad of Argentina vs Croatia Semi-final Match How Scaloni will line up the squad against the Croats can only be guessed because he sets everything at the very last moment. Di Maria is returning fully fit, and Rodrigo de Paul will be in the first eleven in midfield. Nicolás Tagliafico will fill Acuna's deficit at left back. Enzo and Mac Allister should start in the first eleven in this match as well. Argentina:  Martinez, Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico, Fernandez, De Paul, Mac Allister, Di Maria, Messi, Alvarez. Croatia:  Livakovic, Juranovic, Gvardiol, Lovren, Sosa, Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic, Pasalic, Kramaric, Perisic. Argentina vs Croatia Semi-final Match Result Prediction Analyzing Croatia's past record and the performance in this World Cup, Messi's team may lose the game in the tiebreaker. There might not be any goals in 90 minutes. Earlier in the World Cup in Russia, Croatia won two tiebreakers in the knockout stages. Along with this, Croatia won the tiebreaker with Japan and Brazil in the 2022 Word Cup so far. Although the team could not keep the ball in the allotted 90 minutes, they contributed well to the tiebreaker. Who is the Referee in Argentina vs Croatia Semifinal match? There has been much controversy about the refereeing of the Argentina-Netherlands quarterfinal match. Argentina accused the Spanish referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz was not up to the mark. Italy's Daniele Orsato has been assigned the role of referee in the Argentina-Croatia match in the semifinals. 47 years old, Orsato has already managed Argentina's matches. He was in charge of the Argentina-Mexico match on the group stage. Earlier, the opening match of the tournament between Qatar and Ecuador was managed by this Italian referee. In addition to that, Orsato has experience officiating several important matches in the Italian league Serie A and the 2020 UEFA Champions League Final.  Read More: After Neymar, Croatia aim to end Messi’s World Cup dream Final Words Croatia has been performing great in this World Cup, and this match will be tough for both teams. However, all the attention will be on Messi, who has been ruling the football world for more than a decade. But, Messi may find difficulties entering Croatia's strong defense. According to the power and rhythm, Croatia is clearly ahead of Argentina. So, the FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022 tournament's Argentina vs Croatia semi-final match will surely be entertaining for the fans.

This year's FIFA World Cup is coming to an end as 28 teams left after 60 matches. There have been several incidents and upsets at the World Cup in Qatar. Among the favorites, Brazil, Germany, and Spain are out. Portugal could not survive in the fight for the last eight. Croatia, Argentina, and Morocco, France will meet in the semifinals of the World Cup. Let’s take a look at the semi-final round of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. 4 Teams in the FIFA World Cup semifinals Last World Cup’s runners-up Croatia will face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the first semifinal on December 13. In the next match, on December 15, Morocco will face the current champion France. Both matches will start at 1 am Bangladesh time.  Croatia Croatia, the finalists of the World Cup in Russia, kept their glory in Qatar. Luka Modric’s team defeated Japan in the last sixteen as runners-up from Group F. The Croats booked their place in the semifinals by upsetting Brazil, who were on a mission to win the Hexa. The game ended 1-1 in extra time after neither team could score in the first 90 minutes. After defeating Brazil by 4-2 in the tiebreaker, Croatia reached the last four. When Neymar scored a goal in the injury time of the first half of extra time, it seemed that one of the favorites in the tournament this time, Brazil, would go to the semifinals. But Petkovic’s goal late in the match equalized and eventually won the tiebreaker as Croatia reached the semifinals. Croatia will face Argentina in the first semifinal of the tournament. This might be a tough match for Argentina as ever-dependable Luka Modric is in full form as their captain. Additionally, Josko Gvardiol will stay as the great wall of China in Croatian defense. None of Croatia’s players saw a yellow card in the last eight matches against Brazil. So, no player will miss the match. Overall, Croatia is a balanced team, as they have some good players in all positions. Hence, Croatia will have the edge over Argentina. Read More: FIFA World Cup 2022 Argentina vs Croatia LIVE Streaming: Where and How to watch online and TV Channel, Predicted XI Argentina This time Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina confirmed the last sixteen from the ‘C’ group. Albicelestes are unbeaten after stumbling to Saudi Arabia in the group stage. After beating Mexico and Poland to become the group champion, Messi-De Paul’s team defeated Australia in the last sixteen and the Netherlands in a tiebreaker in the quarterfinals. Now their obstacle is Croatia on their way to the final. Read More: FIFA charges Argentina for disorders at World Cup match Like their opponent Croatia, Argentina beat the Netherlands in the same way in the tiebreaker. The game was drawn 2-2 draw in 90 minutes. With no goals in overtime, the game went to a tiebreaker. Lionel Messi’s Argentina won that by 4-3. Referee Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz showed 18 yellow cards and one red card in the Argentina-Netherlands match in the quarterfinals. Among them, eight players from Argentina, including Lionel Messi. Apart from this, coach Lionel Scaloni and another member of the coaching staff, Walter Samuel, also received yellow cards. It was Messi’s first yellow card in this world cup, so there is no problem for him to play in the semifinal. However, Acuna and Montiel saw their second yellow card at the World Cup in Qatar.  According to the FIFA 2022 World Cup laws, if a player receives a yellow card in any two matches from the group stage to the quarterfinals, the player will miss the match following the second yellow card. As a result, Acuna and Montiel will not be available in the semifinal matchup. So, Argentina might face problems because of their absence. And this might give them a chance to Croatia. Morocco Morocco, the lion of the Atlas Mountains, is showing strength throughout the tournament. The favorites like Belgium, Spain, and Portugal have been sent away by Morocco. For the first time in the history of the World Cup, Morocco has confirmed the semifinals as an African team. After sharing points with Croatia on the group stage, the African nation defeated Canada and Belgium. Yassine Bounou’s team stopped Spain in a tiebreaker in the last sixteen. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal is also defeated by the Moroccans. Reigning champions France face Ziyesh-Hakimidi at Al Bait Stadium. At the beginning of the World Cup, in group stages, Moroccan footballers ran a lot on the field. Now it seems they didn’t do it without purpose. Their recovery runs, challenges on the ball, everything has been good. Moroccans didn’t do anything unnecessary on the field with excessive passion; everything they did came in handy, and they eventually saw success. Moroccan footballers’ main strength is the ability to run relentlessly. In the running, they seem to be the best athletic team in this World Cup. Some players play in Europe and Hakimi in PSG. Morocco is the best surprise of this World Cup with the quality of the players and maturity. Also, Yassine Bounou is another reason behind Morocco's win in all those games. But, compared to their opponent, France, Morocco’s speed might not work, as stopping Mbappe will be very hard for them. Read More: Morocco become first African & Arab nation to reach WC semis France Didier Deschamps’ French team is most favorite to win the World Cup 2022. The injury-plagued team played great in the group stage and secured the last sixteen. After beating Lewandowski’s Poland by a big margin, France faced another favorite, England. France made it to the last four after a hard-fought battle. Now, they will face Morocco to reach the Final. This time, France reached the semifinals of the World Cup for the second consecutive time after defeating the English. Four years ago, coach Didier Deschamps’ team won the 2018 World Cup in Russia. This time, the French did not get star midfielders like N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba and world-famous forwards like Karim Benzema due to injuries. Despite this, a number of young and experienced footballers continue to show eye-catching performances. Although there are some issues in the defense, it is compensated by the stars of the midfield and attack. Now they have a chance to become world champions for the second time in a row. France is getting all their star in their semifinal. Except for the defense, they have a great rhythm in the midfield and attack. France is the favorite to win in the semi. Read More: Argentina vs Croatia Semi-Final Preview: FIFA World Cup 2022 Final Words There is no doubt that the 22nd FIFA World Cup in Qatar is the best in terms of incidents and surprises of medium-power teams. Like the 2018 World Cup in Russia, there is a bright possibility of a final between France and Croatia. But, again, this World Cup has been very unpredictable. Not to mention, the semi-final matches of FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022 will be entertaining. Hence, we have to wait until Thursday to know the two finalists.